On the morning of September 3, the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was grandly held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. According to preliminary information, Xu Yue, a Class of 2023 postgraduate student from the SCMU School of Literature, Journalism and Communication, participated in the parade as a member of the militia formation. Wang Ying, an alumna from the Class of 2017 of the SCMU School of Music and Dance, took part as a drummer in the joint military band. Alumni Long Wenying (Class of 1986, Chemistry Department), Li Weifeng (Class of 1992, Department of Economics and Management), and Mariyamgül Obulkasim (Class of 2008, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences) were present at Tiananmen Square as distinguished guests.
"For me, a student of SCMU and former member of the People's Liberation Army Honor Guard, participating in the parade is the honor of a lifetime. During the seven months of arduous training, what sustained me was not only the encouragement from teachers and friends but also the inspiring spirit of the Resistance," said Xu Yue after being selected for the parade formation due to her outstanding performance during the rigorous training. Tian Yuanzi, Xu Yue's postgraduate supervisor, expressed excitement after watching the ceremony: "As Xu Yue's supervisor, I am immensely proud of her! This spirited and heroic young woman is a role model for us all!"
Xu Yue in Militia Formation (the fifth to the left in back row). Live Broadcast Screenshot.
"When I marched in unison past Tiananmen Square, the powerful call—'Justice will prevail! Peace will prevail! The people will prevail!'—resounded in my ears. Every step we took on Chang'an Avenue was a step retracing the path forged by the blood and sacrifice of our predecessors," said Xu Yue with resolute determination. "I am committed to carrying forward the spirit of the War of Resistance and translating it into concrete actions to contribute to our nation's prosperity and the cause of global peace." She expressed her hope that her experience would inspire every student at South-Central Minzu University who shares a profound love for their country.
Wang Ying (the fifth from the right) in the Joint Military Band. Live Broadcast Screenshot
As the timeless melodies of four classic wartime songs—"Along the Songhua River," "On the Taihang Mountains," "Defend the Yellow River," and "There Is No New China Without the Communist Party"—echoed across Tiananmen Square, all eyes were on the 20 female drummers in the front rank of the Joint Military Band. This marked another highlight for the women's drum corps since its appearance at the 70th-anniversary parade of the People's Republic of China. Standing tall with their military drums, Wang Ying and her fellow performers showcased the valor and dignity of Chinese service members through their resounding beats and poised bearing. Wang Ying, who enrolled in the Dance Performance program at SCMU's School of Music and Dance in 2017, began her military service in 2019 with a unit in Xizang. There, her outstanding performance earned her the recognition as a "Four-Excellent Soldier" and a commendation in December 2020. In 2022, she gained admission to the National Defence University PLA China's Military Cultural College to major in Choreography, where her continued excellence led to her being honored as a "Four-Excellent Student" with another commendation in July 2024.
Three alumni invited to attend the ceremony. Picture Source: The Office of Employment and Alumni Affairs
